Whiddon Down
September 2019
This settlement profile has been prepared by Dartmoor National Park Authority to provide an overview of key information and issues for the settlement. It has been prepared in consultation with Parish/Town Councils and will be updated as necessary. Settlement Profile: Whiddon Down 1
Introduction
Whiddon Down is located on the northern boundary of the National Park, at the place where the A382 running south connects with the old A30. The new A30 trunk road lies a little distance to the north. Along with Crockernwell and Cheriton Cross, Whiddon Down was one of the post points on the turnpike road that formed part of the main
Penzance to London route. The turnpike toll house may be seen at the southern end of the present settlement and the Post Inn is still in operation. Farming has also been an important component of the local economy.
The National Park boundary runs through the settlement, meaning that the part lying to the north of the old A30 lies within the West Devon local planning area. The village has a limited range of local facilities and services, but the A30 service station at the Merrymeet junction can act as a local
store. The village is located within Drewsteignton parish. The results of a local housing survey published in 2007 showed a need from within Drewsteignton parish for four affordable homes. A
the village of Drewsteignton which met this need.
Settlement Profile: Whiddon Down 2 Demographics A summary of key population statistics
Population 267 Census 2011, defined by best fit Output Areas
Age Profile (Census 2011) Settlement comparison (Census 2011)
Children Working Age Older People 100+
Christow 90 Bridford Throwleigh & Gidleigh 80 Sourton Sticklepath Lydford 70 North Brentor Ilsington & Liverton 60 Walkhampton Age Drewsteignton Hennock 50 Peter Tavy Manaton Scorriton 40 Holne Cheriton Bishop 30 Lustleigh
Shaugh Prior Whiddon Down 20 North Bovey Belstone 10 Meavy Dean Prior Dunsford 0 0 5 10 15 0 200 400 600 800 Population Population
Settlement Profile: Whiddon Down 3 Housing Stock Headline data on current housing stock
Average House Prices 2016 Identifying Housing Need
Excluding settlements (other than Whiddon Down) with less than five sales, number of sales labelled. The low sales experienced in Whiddon Down do not provide an accurate average, the following Parishes: but are an indication of poor housing availability in this area. Drewsteignton, South Tawton, Throwleigh Lustleigh 8 Christow 11 Yelverton 18 Manaton 8 Belstone 6 Chagford 22 Mary Tavy 9 Sticklepath 5 Drewsteignton 8 Buckfast 5 Dunsford 5 Liverton 6 Ilsington 7 South Tawton 5 Brentor 5 Bittaford 12 Cornwood 10 Ashburton 54 Lydford 8 Dousland 15 Moretonhampstead 20 South Zeal 13 South Brent 36 Horrabridge 32 Whiddon Down 1 Buckfastleigh 52 Princetown 19 0 £100K £200K £300K £400K £500K Land Registry, 2016
Settlement Profile: Whiddon Down 4 Local Issues A summary of current development issues
Sites allocated for development in No sites allocated for development current local plan: 5 affordable units have been delivered on other sites since 2008
No recent housing survey to identify local need for housing
Issues Paper Consultation (Dec 2016) Infrastructure delivery
The following summarises issues identified by Drewsteignton Parish We are aware of the following items of infrastructure which are needed Council: and have a reasonable prospect of being funded in the next 20 years: Support small-scale housing development in rural settlements None known Prioritise brownfield development Support conversion of redundant historic agricultural buildings Support improved access to superfast broadband, mobile coverage and public transport
Settlement Profile: Whiddon Down 5 Map 1 – Planning Considerations A map of key policy designations affecting planning decisions in this settlement
Settlement Profile: Whiddon Down 6 Map 2 – Open Space A map of all open space with public value in this settlement
Settlement Profile: Whiddon Down 7 Settlement Services and Connectivity Information
Settlement Services
Post Office Store Village Hall Village School Primary Service Bus Regular Ground Recreation Church Pub Centre Health Surgery Branch Pharmacy (fuel) Garage A B U
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Road
Road
Road
Settlement
Whiddon Down If no, distance to nearest >5km >5km
Method of Travelling to work (Census 2011)
Private vehicle Home worker On Foot Passenger in private vehicle Bus, Minibus or Coach Bicycle Train Other Taxi
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Settlement Profile: Whiddon Down 8